August 2020 – Springs

AUGUST - SEPT. FOCUS

The Ocklawaha Lost Springs and Silver Springs

Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition: Featured Members of the Month

                                                    

Restoring a free-flowing Ocklawaha River by breaching the Rodman/Kirkpatrick Dam will uncover 20 springs drowned by dam and help restore Silver Springs by bringing back its historic fish. These three coalition partners are committed to recovering these important springs and waterways.

Florida Springs Council

Florida Springs Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit representing a coalition of organizations, lobbies in Tallahassee for better laws, coordinates legal challenges, and speaks out when they see a threat to our waterways. Since 2014, they have grown to over 50 organizations. In return, each organization brings their specific expertise and local knowledge to the Council. They combine their efforts, skills, and expertise for the good of ALL springs. Learn more by visiting their website.

Florida Springs Institute

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is a science and education based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their goal is to document Florida’s springs and educate the public about the threats that face them to ensure future generations can enjoy them as we have. Their mission is to provide a focal point for improving the understanding of springs ecology and to foster the development of science-based education and management actions needed to restore and protect springs throughout Florida. Learn more by visiting our website.

Silver Springs Alliance, Inc

Silver Springs Alliance, Inc. was founded in 2011 with the goal to ensure the protection of a healthy ecosystem at Silver Springs for future generations. The Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The goal of the Silver Springs Alliance is to protect, restore, and protect the Silver Springs ecosystem. Learn more by visiting their website.

Learn more through our postcards, videos and updates!

  • View an informative and engaging video on Silver Springs with Dr. Bob Knight, Executive Director of Florida Springs Institute.

    In "Silver Springs: The Heartbeat of the Ocklawaha," Dr. Bob Knight recounts his first-hand experiences in the marvelous Silver Springs, explains why the springs are dying, and consequently, what we must do to save them.

    A healthy Ocklawaha River is essential for a healthy Silver Springs. Meeting at the confluence, their fates are intertwined.

Sources, links:Learn more about Dr. Howard T. Odum here.
Learn more about Silver Springs’ 50-Year Retrospective Study (including Dr. Odum’s studies, too) here.
Learn more about Florida Springs Institute’s Ocklawaha River and Springs Environmental Analysis here.
Learn more about Florida Springs Institute’s Restoration Plan for Silver Springs here.
More of Florida Springs Institute’s Reports here.

  • Send ecards to your friends and family sharing your love of our springs. Click here to send a postcard.

  • Lost Springs is a documentary film that explores the collection of freshwater Florida springs in the Ocklawaha River. Learn the story about the 20 lost springs that are impounded by the Rodman Dam.

  • Produced by Matt Keene, the film follows artist Margaret Ross Tolbert as she experiences the springs that are normally drowned.
  • Learn more about Lost Springs here. Find out how to host your own virtual or socially-distanced watch event!

Ready to save our springs? JOIN US by filling out a simple sign-up to show your support for a Free-Flowing Ocklawaha River.